UNESCO’s Commitment to Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. According to reports released in 2018 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanization.

Many solutions exist for stopping and reversing the decline in biodiversity. This publication highlights some of UNESCO’s biodiversity-related actions and solutions, based on the Organization’s unique mandate and its diverse normative instruments, networks, programmes and partners. For each thematic challenge, the publication highlights current actions and solutions that have been successfully implemented, as well as suggestions for improvement and innovation.